What to do before adding a SC? HELP PLEASE

Hey all, I'm about to add a TS1 kit to my car and before I do I had a few ideas of things I should take a look at in my 2002 325 with 80k miles on it.

SO far I have:
1. Change the VANOS Seals
2. Flush the fluids
3. Check compressions

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1. Is there anything else I need to consider doing? I'm about to drop out and replace my tranny (theres an issue with the 3rd gear and I already replaced my clutch and flywheel last year)

2. Otherwise I am going to do the compression test by simply turning the crankshaft myself (not by turning over the engine with the starter, like I've read on here) I wasn't sure if that was really a good way to go about it when you could just turn the crankshaft by hand. (I dunno, maybe i'm missing something here)

3. Finally, does anyone have an idea about where to get all the things needed to do a VANOS seal change? is there a kit or is it more just re-ordering hte replacement parts?

Only two options for Vanos that I know of.

http://www.drvanos.com/

http://www.beisansystems.com/

check your bushings and motor mounts
check your suspension
check your cooling system

You don't have to do anything to prepare for a SC. You don't have to replace VANOS seals for FI; only if you need them. Google DrVANOS for a kit.

Conducting a compression test is not required, but it will give you a general idea of the health of your engine as well as an initial base line. Conducting a Dyno would be a good idea as well for the same purpose. However, Why in the world would you want to turn the engine over by hand for a compression test? While noting uniformity between cylinders is the point, your probably not going to get a reading that is anywhere near what others get.

There are some suggested actions you take, though not required:
-Replace fuel filter if it has more than 40k miles on it. You will find that FI cars are much more sensitive to changes in fuel pressure.
-Replace fuel pump if it has more than 80k miles on it (for same reason above).
-Replace MAF if it has more than 100k on it. FI tunes are sensitive to changes in metered air.
-Replace or clean your ICV.
-Replace your cooling system when installing SC if it has more than 60k miles on it. Why? Because it's easier to do with all the crap out of the engine bay.
-Replace any old vacuum lines if re-used; SCs don't like vacuum leaks.

Some people will suggest the items below, though it is unnecessary. They are certainly helpful though.
-AFR Meter
-Boost Gauge
-Oil pressure and temp gagues

Oh, you might have more luck getting FI info on the FI page.

do i really need to replace the entire cooling system? and how much is that necessarily?

you might want to reinforce the subframe.

the cooling system kit from tischer cost $315 shipped if I'm not mistaken.

Originally Posted by dosequisrex

do i really need to replace the entire cooling system? and how much is that necessarily?

You don't know much about E46's, do you?

Sorry, that was a flip answer. The plastic parts of E46 cooling systems are notorious for failing between 60k-120k miles. It's best to replace the thermostat housing and end tanks after 60k as preventative maintenance. And the hoses while your there.

You want to think about updating the ignition system.

i'd check the rear subframe mounts now before installing.
also check replace the guibo on a 325.

LSD.

M3 swap

Compression test? There is no way you will get any kind of meaningful reading by rotating the engine by the crank bolt. A total waste of time.

If I may suggest...

Go to the library and get a book on basic four-cycle engine mechanics and maintenance/service and tune up procedures. It may shed some useful knowledge on things in general.
Also, you should have the BMW Bentley (pub.) manual.

I would think you'd need performance injectors as well. Some superchargers require external oil lines for lubrication/cooling - you need to look into that.

Originally Posted by fibonacci00782

I would think you'd need performance injectors as well. Some superchargers require external oil lines for lubrication/cooling - you need to look into that.

any legitimate kit will come with the correct injectors for it already.

Originally Posted by Alex323Ci

any legitimate kit will come with the correct injectors for it already.

+1